How to Make Pork Satay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Flavorful Grilled Skewers

Pork satay is a delightful Southeast Asian dish, especially popular in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This savory grilled skewer features tender chunks of pork marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk, grilled to perfection, and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking to try something new, pork satay is a crowd-pleaser. This guide will walk you through every step to make the perfect pork satay at home, from preparing the meat and marinade to grilling and serving.

1. Selecting the Right Cut of Pork

For a juicy and flavorful pork satay, the choice of meat is crucial. Pork shoulder or pork loin are the best cuts to use for this dish:

• Pork Shoulder: This cut is slightly fattier, which helps keep the meat moist during grilling. It is also very flavorful.
• Pork Loin: A leaner option compared to pork shoulder, but still tender and delicious when marinated properly.

2. Preparing the Pork

Once you’ve chosen your cut of pork, it's time to prepare the meat:

1. Trim and Clean the Pork: Remove any excess fat and cut the pork into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size ensures the meat cooks evenly on the grill.

2. Tenderize the Meat: For tougher cuts, consider tenderizing the meat using a meat mallet. This will help the marinade penetrate more deeply and result in a more tender skewer.

3. Creating the Marinade for Pork Satay

The marinade is the heart and soul of any good satay. It combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors to create a mouth-watering experience. Here’s a classic pork satay marinade recipe:

Ingredients for Pork Satay Marinade:

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 tablespoon of lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or palm sugar
• 3 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined. The mixture should have a thick, paste-like consistency.

2. Marinate the Pork: Add the pork pieces to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight.

4. Preparing the Skewers

Traditionally, pork satay is grilled on bamboo skewers. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Soak the Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

2. Thread the Pork: Carefully thread the marinated pork pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.

5. Grilling the Pork Satay

Grilling is the most crucial part of making satay. Here’s how to grill pork satay to perfection:

1. Preheat the Grill: Whether using a charcoal grill, gas grill, or stovetop grill pan, preheat it to medium-high heat. For a more authentic taste, a charcoal grill is ideal as it adds a smoky flavor to the meat.

2. Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the pork from sticking.

3. Grill the Satay: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char. While grilling, baste the pork with leftover marinade or a bit of coconut milk to keep it moist.

4. Rest the Satay: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the pork tender

6. Making the Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is a must-have accompaniment for pork satay. It balances the savory, grilled flavors with a creamy, slightly sweet dip. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for peanut sauce:

Ingredients for Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 tablespoon of red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup of water (adjust as needed for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients and stir until smooth.

2. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and become fragrant. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.

3. Serve the Sauce: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

7. Serving the Pork Satay

Pork satay is best enjoyed fresh off the grill with a generous side of peanut sauce. Here’s how to present it:

1. Plating: Arrange the pork satay skewers on a large serving plate.

2. Garnishing: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture.

3. Side Accompaniments: Pork satay is often served with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and rice cakes (ketupat). You can also add a side of steamed jasmine rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

8. Tips for Perfect Pork Satay

• Monitor the Grill: Pork can cook quickly, so keep an eye on the grill to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Overnight marination is highly recommended.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and ginger will enhance the flavor of your marinade.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red curry paste in the peanut sauce or add fresh chili to the marinade.

Conclusion

Pork satay is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the rich, aromatic flavors of Southeast Asia to your table. With its tender, juicy grilled pork skewers and delicious peanut sauce, pork satay is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to outdoor barbecues with friends. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality pork satay right at home, impressing everyone with this tasty dish.